Patsy Stowe: Artist To A Tee
story by kim poovey
photography by susan deloach
Amongst the hustle and bustle of a high school campus is an artist with a passion for her craft and the love of sharing her talents with those around her. Patsy Stowe teaches art at Battery Creek High School where she instructs students aspiring to expand their artistic abilities. A graduate of University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Art, she went on to earn her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Creative Arts in Learning, from Leslie University. Patsy met and fell in love with her husband, Todd, currently a teacher at rival Beaufort High School, while attending University of Georgia. Married for 19 years they have two daughters, Christy and Jessie, and a Beagle mix named Dooley (for Vince Dooley, former coach of UGA’s football team). Needless to say, their house is steeped in red and black with two diehard bulldog fans at the helm.
When asked about aspirations, she cheerfully responded, “I do art for the enjoyment of it and to teach my students what I love. I teach visual arts and dabble in several mediums but acrylic is what I usually work with. God gave me a gift and I want to use it to help and inspire others because then my artwork makes a difference.”
Born in Macon, Georgia, Patsy is the youngest of six children. “I’ve been an artist my entire life along with my oldest sister who also teaches art. Basically we started with an art teacher and ended with an art teacher,” she said with a chuckle.
Patsy followed her husband to Beaufort in the late 1990s after each received teaching positions here. Not long after, he began volunteering for the Water Festival and has been involved ever since. Thus, Patsy also became involved. “I love the camaraderie of all the people who volunteer with it. I especially enjoy the opening ceremonies because it’s a strong family event and what Beaufort is all about. It brings locals and people from other communities together. The event is more than just a festival; they give to the community throughout the year like Festival of Trees and CAPA (Child Abuse Prevention Agency). The Water Festival has a strong presence in the community in charitable ways.”
It was only fitting that her design would be chosen as the official t-shirt logo for the 61st Water Festival, aptly themed, Rendezvous by the River. The essence of the longtime event inspired the concept. “It’s based upon a picture of Chris Canaday, this year’s Commodore, with his family in one of the boats. I also included flags of the United States Marines Corps, South Carolina, and the American flag. I wanted to represent the area and our strong commitment to the military and their sacrifice for us. When people see the t-shirt design I hope they get a feel of what Water Festival is all about.”
The logo shows the festival in full swing at Waterfront Park complete with a shrimp boat and other small vessels sporting various flags. Crowds stroll along the waterway admiring the splendor of the atmosphere as the sun hangs lazily in a Carolina blue sky. Patsy was adamant that the scene depict the view from the water as she feels it’s the best way to experience the spirit of the event.
One can almost feel the warm salty breezes as water laps against the barnacle laden sea wall. Seagulls squawk overhead while the setting sun provides a respite from the Lowcountry heat. The sights, sounds and essence of camaraderie are perfectly illustrated in Patsy’s rendering of the town’s most notable annual event.
When not creating art, Patsy enjoys curling up with a good book like The Notebook or The Last Song. “I like working in my yard, reading, crocheting, and spending time with my family. We love going to Hunting Island beach.”
A recent endeavor for Patsy is Bible journaling. “A friend of mine has cancer and likes adult coloring books. I made her a coloring book with scripture in an effort to lift her spirits. In the process of researching it I discovered bible journaling. I’ve been doing it for a couple of months now.”
One of Patsy’s favorite things about Beaufort is the abundance of art created by self-taught artists. “There is so much inspiration in the scenery here.”
Patsy’s love of family and of God is apparent in her manner of speaking and her artwork. Her dedication to local high school students, the community, and the Water Festival is as deep and wide as the Broad River. How appropriate that her image of the Lowcountry during the Water Festival should be the official logo of this year’s t-shirt.
